The two-day ticketed exhibition was a huge success locally
An exhibition celebrating the 200th anniversary of rail in the UK has been a sell-out success in Kingston.
Kingston station was one of 60 stations across the country to hold the Railway 200 Inspiration exhibition, which was open to anyone interested in rail.
Simon Mead, 53, said the event lived up to his expectations.
“I’ve had a long-term interest in railways,” he said. “I know some of the guys who drove the [Railway 200] train in this morning, so I thought I’d come and see what it’s all about.”
The Railway 200 Inspiration exhibition celebrated the 200th anniversary of the railway system in the UK with interactive displays, games and information for all ages.
Tickets for the event in Kingston on February 25th and 26th sold out. The morning slots were dedicated to schoolchildren and a visit from the council.
Speaking on the first day, Kingston station staff member Sunny C, 30, said the event saw a great turnout.
“The weather helped a lot,” he said. “We have had school visits today, this morning, we had some officials from Kingston Council, and now it’s open to the public for today and tomorrow.”
The exhibition was packed with families, children and rail enthusiasts, and according to Network Rail, over 40,000 people visited on the tour.
Fellow rail enthusiast Phillip Bacon, 77, explained that though the website only pictured the exterior of the train, they knew there would be something of interest.
“We’re both keen on railways and knew the exhibition was here,” he said and added that he had enjoyed the installation so far.
“We’re hugely excited to be welcoming hundreds of people aboard Inspiration in Kingston,” said Emma Roberts, Programme Manager for Railway 200. “A big thank you to South Western Railway for helping to organise such a fantastic event.”
Railway 200 has nine more locations announced for the tour, and an announcement is coming soon with further dates.
